Thompson eyeing third world sailing gold in Santander

Great Britain's Nick Thompson heads into the decisive double points medal race with gold in his grasp at sailing's World Championships in Santander.

Thompson is tied with series leader, Australia's Tom Burton, in the Laser class as he looks to add a third world title to his resume.

He finished third in his penultimate race to close the gap on Burton, making the most of the changeable weather as light winds were replaced by strong gusts.

“It’s all reasonably close, so it’s all about trying to bring back that gold,” he said.

“It’s going to be the same for a few guys – it’s quite close with the top three or four but hopefully we’ll get some breeze and it will be a good race.”

Giles Scott maintains control of the Finn fleet after three race victories - but admits it's only going to get tougher, with British team-mate Ed Wright ranked third.

"We’ve managed to finish the qualification and we’re into gold and silver fleets so the racing will get a lot tighter from tomorrow,” said the 2011 world champion. “I managed to come away with three firsts, which I’m very happy with."

Charlotte Dobson and Sophie Ainsworth bounced back from protest disqualification yesterday to win the only race for the 49erFX class and they top the standings in the women’s skiff event after three races.

Top British windsurfers Nick Dempsey and Bryony Shaw didn’t much enjoy their three races in the windier conditions – the defending champion Dempsey citing ‘missed opportunities’ as he dropped to eighth overall with one more fleet racing day before their medal races on Friday.